Excavation season begins in the ancient city of Hattusha

Archaeological excavations at the 8,000-year-old ancient city of Hattusha in the Boğazkale district of Çorum, which started 118 years ago, are continuing this year with the participation of academics from various disciplines.

The archaeological site of Hattusha, which houses the cultural heritage of the Hatti and Hittite civilizations — among Anatolia's earliest civilizations and dating back to 6,000 B.C. — is listed as a UNESCO "World Cultural Heritage" and "World Memory" site.

Located 80 kilometers southwest of Çorum, Hattusha and Yazılıkaya Temple, surrounded by 7 kilometers of walls and with a settlement area of ​​2 square kilometers, welcomes its guests with its facade that changes every season of the year.

The historical site has a history of 8,000 years and takes its visitors on a journey through time. Excavations at the site, which served as the capital of the Hittite civilization for approximately 450 years, began in 1906 and have been ongoing for 118 years.

Academics from different countries and branches participate in the excavations carried out since 2006 under the chairmanship of Professor Andreas Schachner on behalf of the German Archaeological Institute, contributing to the country's archaeological literature.

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Schachner explained that because Hattusha was the capital for an extended period and has an 8,000-year history, the excavations there represent a unique archive.

Stating that they may encounter surprises during the excavations in Hattusha, Schachner said, "You don't know what awaits you in Boğazköy [Hattusha] every year. Some years proceed normally, while others can bring unexpected surprises. Let's see what this year has in store for us."

Schachner...